Borscht Belt Architecture: Designs of the Jewish Alps with Alex Prizgintas In-Person
Transitioning from his introductory “Borscht Belt Artifacts” program, this part two program highlights the legacy of interior and exterior architecture that defined the Borscht Belt Catskills. Following the “Silver Age” hotels of Victorian style that defined the late 19th century, new Jewish hotels, bungalow colonies, and growing resorts added their own influences to existing structures. Several movements in architecture, such as Sullivan County Mission Style and Sullivan County Tudor Style designs, gained a popular reputation in the Borscht Belt. Then, in the 1950s, the wave of Mid-Century Modern influences within this region of New York set the tone for hotel designs on a national scale. Using postcards, photographs, images from antique brochures, and modern-day scenes, Alex Prizgintas reveals how this architecture helped to define elements of the quintessential Borscht Belt experience from room design to recreational activities, entertainment, outdoor landscape, and what architecture features can still be seen today.
- Date:
- Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Time:
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Children's Room
- Audience:
- Adults 18+
- Categories:
- Adult Programs
Borscht Belt Architecture: Designs of the Jewish Alps with Alex Prizgintas In-Person
Transitioning from his introductory “Borscht Belt Artifacts” program, this part two program highlights the legacy of interior and exterior architecture that defined the Borscht Belt Catskills. Following the “Silver Age” hotels of Victorian style that defined the late 19th century, new Jewish hotels, bungalow colonies, and growing resorts added their own influences to existing structures. Several movements in architecture, such as Sullivan County Mission Style and Sullivan County Tudor Style designs, gained a popular reputation in the Borscht Belt. Then, in the 1950s, the wave of Mid-Century Modern influences within this region of New York set the tone for hotel designs on a national scale. Using postcards, photographs, images from antique brochures, and modern-day scenes, Alex Prizgintas reveals how this architecture helped to define elements of the quintessential Borscht Belt experience from room design to recreational activities, entertainment, outdoor landscape, and what architecture features can still be seen today.
- Date:
- Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Time:
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Time Zone:
- Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
- Location:
- Children's Room
- Audience:
- Adults 18+
- Categories:
- Adult Programs